What to do in Paris This January

After the holiday season and December festivities, January can be a tough act to follow. To begin with, New Year’s Day is a national holiday in France. So expect most businesses and stores to be closed. But don’t be fooled by the slow start to this month! If you are looking for ideas for things to do and see in Paris in January, there are more than enough activities lined up in the city this month.

Paris in January ushers in a serene ambiance after the glitter and fireworks of the end of the year. There is a contemplative vibe in the City of Light. There are also fewer tourists since it is low season. 

This means even tourist attractions such as the Eiffel Tower or Mona Lisa at the Louvre have fewer crowds, compared to the long lines during the summer months. If you’re looking for a bite to eat and want to avoid tourist traps on your visit make sure to check out our top rated places for where to eat near the Eiffel Tower and restaurants near the Louvre.

WEATHER AND HOW TO PACK 

Winter in France starts from the end of December and continues until mid-March. Average temperatures in Paris in January oscillate between 3°C – 7°C (37°F to 45°F), making this the coldest month of the year.

There are quite a few rainy days, with fewer sunny days than any other winter months. Snow is not usual but, if you are lucky, there might be 1 or 2 days of moderate snowfall between the end of January and the beginning of February.

If you are planning a trip to Paris in January, and wondering how to pack, I would advise you to follow the locals. Embrace the balance between style and warmth, by dressing in versatile layers. To make the most of this month, two most important things to pack are waterproof shoes and warm socks.

Carry scarves, hats and gloves to ward off the chill. Add in your most fabulous winter coat and elegant boots to the ensemble, and you’ll be all sorted to have a wonderful time in Paris, despite the cold/rainy weather.

THINGS TO DO IN PARIS IN JANUARY

Embrace the coziness of the winter months indoors by immersing yourself in the French capital’s thriving cultural scene. Warm up with a visit to the Louvre, or Musée d’Orsay, or spend time exploring some of the city’s beautiful covered passages, like Galerie Vivienne. 

On sunny days, head out for a walk along the Seine river or sunbath in one of the many gardens of Paris. The major gardens in the city, like Jardin des Tuileries or Luxembourg Gardens look especially spectacular with winter foliage and flora. If you want both nature and warmth in an offbeat setting, visit one of these winter gardens in Paris.

Come rain or shine, it’s always a great time to go restaurant hopping, and trying out new addresses in Paris. Enjoy some leisurely hot chocolate and melty cheese at a cute café. Or try out a cooking class like this one by Ferrandi Paris. We wrote about our experience at Ferrandi’s Tarte Tatin class if you want to find out more.

Speaking of food, one thing that you should not miss in Paris in January, is trying some delectable galettes des rois (or king’s cake). These start flooding patisseries from early January. Here are some of our favorite galettes des rois in Paris.

This pastry is traditionally associated with the day of Epiphany (January 6). The delicious flakey pastry is filled with frangipane, a sweet almond based custard. Be sure to be on the lookout for the tiny figurine hidden inside.

EVENTS IN PARIS THIS JANUARY

Winter Sales in France, January 7-February 3, 2026

This is the best time to indulge in some retail therapy in Paris. Almost every major brand and department store (including the popular ones like Galeries Lafayette & Printemps) participates in the sales, called les soldes in French. Get your fill of French fashion and lifestyle, with a side of deep discounts.

Paris Fashion and Haute Couture Week 2026, January 20-25 and 26-29

One of the most prestigious fashion events in the world is returning again this January. Experiencing Fashion Week in Paris is an unparalleled extravaganza of fashion and design. If you are a fashion-lover, there is no better time than this to be visiting the French capital. This month, menswear for fall and winter 2026/2027 hits the runway January 20-25, followed by haute couture week January 26-29 for spring/summer 2026 wear.

Maison & Objet, Parc des Expositions de Paris Nord Villepinte, 15-19 January 2026

One of the events of the year for those interested in art de vivre, home décor, and interior design. This year Maison & Objet  returns with a theme that bridges heritage and innovation: “Past Reveals Future.” This year’s edition celebrates living design, and how creation is rooted in craft, memory, and organic continuity.

En voie d’illumination : Lumières de la nature – Jardin des Plantes, until January 18, 2026

It’s the 7th edition of En voie d’illumination at the Jardin des Plantes, a magical nighttime walk through the gardens. This year, take a journey around the world to uncover the secrets of natural light phenomena through impressive lighting effects and projections.

Japon en Lumières, Jardin d’Acclimatation, until 8 March

This third edition of the Lantern Festival at the Jardin d’Acclimation is another magical light show, and it runs until March. It features 2000 luminous creations in a celebration of the spirit of Japan, with a series of three spectacular chapters and a French/Japanese food court at the very end!

EXHIBITIONS IN PARIS THIS JANUARY

Soulages, Une Autre Lumière, Musée du Luxembourg, until January 11, 2026

It’s the last month to see the highly successful exhibition Pierre Soulages at Musée du Luxembourg, which explores 130 works by the artist created between the 1940s and early 2000s.

Paul Poiret, La mode est une fête, Musée des Arts Décoratifs, until January 11, 2026

Paul Poiret was a renowned haute couture designer celebrated for freeing women from the corset in his collections, and you won’t want to miss your chance to see his works. Active from the Belle Époque through the Roaring Twenties, Poiret’s creative work spanned fashion, decorative arts, fragrance, and culinary arts. The Musée des Arts Décoratifs is showcasing 550 pieces from his body of work until January 11th.

Sargent Dazzling Paris, Musée d’Orsay, until January 11, 2026

John Singer Sargent, among the most celebrated American artists of his era, remains surprisingly obscure in France despite having trained there as a painter. The Musée d’Orsay celebrates the artist with an exhibition featuring 90 of his pieces, including the iconic portrait Madame X.

Georges de la Tour, Musée Jacquemart André, until January 25, 2026

Georges de la Tour is the subject of his first exhibition since 1997 at Musée Jacquemart-André. The show explores the baroque artist’s body of work and highlights his themes of penitent saints and artificial light effects. Given the exhibition’s popularity, advance ticket reservations are advised!

Jacques-Louis David, The Louvre, until January 26, 2026

Jacques-Louis David is renowned for his depictions of pivotal moments during the French Revolution and Napoleonic Empire. The Louvre’s exhibition focuses on these historic works alongside his portraits capturing the era’s society, and as the holiday crowds clear out a bit it’s a great time to explore this world-famous museum.

Amazônia, Musée du Quai Branly Jacques Chirac, until January 18, 2026

Step into the extraordinary and dynamic world of the Amazon, where spirits, ancestors, and nature converge in intricate ways. Amazônia at Musée du Quai Branly explores the rainforest from the perspective of indigenous communities.

George Condo, Musée d’Art Moderne, until February 8, 2026

The Musée d’Art Moderne hosts George Condo’s most expansive exhibition yet, showcasing the painter, drawer, and sculptor’s work that bridges classical masters and modern artists through Western art traditions.

L’Empire du Sommeil, Musée Marmottan Monet, until March 1, 2026

Co-curated by a science historian and neurologist, this exhibition at Musée Marmottan Monet explores sleep from its symbolic meaning to its impact on artistic creation, tracing how concepts of sleep evolved during the 19th and 20th centuries.

1925-2025 – Cent Ans d’Art Déco, Musée des Arts Décoratifs, until April 26, 2026

The Musée des Arts Décoratifs celebrates the one hundred year anniversary of the 1925 International Exhibition that introduced Art Deco to the world. Nearly 1,000 pieces spanning furniture, fashion, drawings, and more showcase the style’s richness, highlighted by a restored Étoile du Nord train cabin and three models of the future Orient Express.

Philippe Guston – L’ironie de l’histoire, Musée Picasso, until March 1, 2026

At the Musée Picasso, Philip Guston takes the spotlight in an exhibition dedicated to his satirical approach and political defiance. Guston channeled influences from Picasso’s anti-Franco illustrations and George Harriman’s beloved newspaper cartoons into grotesque, darkly humorous paintings charged with rebellious energy.

Gerhard Richter – Fondation Louis Vuitton, until March 2, 2026

German artist Gerhard Richter, one of the world’s most influential contemporary figures, is featured at the Fondation Louis Vuitton’s latest exhibition. There you can find 275 of his works spanning oil paintings, glass and steel sculptures, pencil and ink drawings, watercolors, and overpainted photographs.

École de Paris, Collection Marek Roefler – Musée de Montmartre, until February 15, 2026

The ‘School of Paris’ describes the remarkable artistic energy of early 20th-century Paris, when artists from across the globe converged in Montmartre and Montparnasse. This exhibition at the Musée de Montmartre marks the first time the Marek Roefler collection has been shown outside its home, showcasing the vital contributions of Polish and Jewish artists to the avant-garde through works by renowned artists like Zadkine and Kisling alongside lesser-known masters.

Michel Paysant, Voir Monet – Musée de l’Orangerie, until January 26, 2026

Michel Paysant has developed a technique of drawing with his eyes, bridging art and science and drawing inspiration from Monet. You can see his unique and innovative pieces at Musée de l’Orangerie, the museum famous for Monet’s Water Lilies.

SPORTS IN PARIS THIS JANUARY

Ice Skating – Le Grand Palais des Glaces, until January 7, 2026

You can still catch some ice skating this month, don’t miss your chance! Discover this 2,700 meters squared ice rink at the Grand Palais for a magical skating experience you will never forget.

Paris Saint-Germain vs. Lille – Parc des Princes, January 16, 2026

Paris’ own Paris Saint-Germain faces off against Lille OSC at the iconic Parc des Princes.

GravelMan Series – from Paris to Roubaix, January 30 & 31, 2026

If you’re feeling adventurous, join this ultra-endurance cycling challenge held on mythical routes between Paris and Roubaix, offering both road and gravel versions across various distances for cyclists of all levels. Participants will traverse diverse terrain including forests and rural villages across the Île-de-France region!

MUSIC & DANCE IN PARIS THIS JANUARY

Siegfried – Opéra Bastille, January 17-31, 2026

Opera lovers can see the third part of the Ring of the Nibelung by Richard Wagner in Paris. It follows Seigfried, a fearless young man, and it will be performed at the Opéra Bastille.

Swan Lake – Théâtre des Champs-Élysées, January 2, 3, and 4, 2026

Angelin Preljocaj choreographed this beautiful version of the classic ballet Swan Lake featuring more contemporary arrangements, which is sure to impress for a nice January evening out.

Les Violons de France: Vivaldi’s Four Seasons – Eglise de la Madeleine, Various Dates in January, 2026

Immerse yourself in a classical performance in the stunning location of Eglise de la Madeleine in the heart of Paris.

Le Roi Soleil – Dôme de Paris, until January 18, 2026

The legendary show Le Roi Soleil is back to celebrate its 20th anniversary, produced by Dove Attia and directed by Kamel Ouali. The show is on tour and will be in Paris most of January, so don’t miss your chance to see this iconic performance!

EVENTS FOR CHILDREN IN PARIS THIS JANUARY

Odyssée Lumineuse, Parc Floral de Paris, until 11 January 2026

Take a walk through the Parc Floral de Paris at night and discover giant illuminated sculptures which depict magical scenes like the North Pole, a giant mushroom forest, and a mysterious jungle at the Odyssée Lumineuse.

Dinosaures – L’expérience immersive, Atelier des Lumières, until February 28, 2026

In this exhibition at Atelier des Lumières, travel back in time 66 million years to the age of dinosaurs. The whole family will be entranced by the immersive landscapes and fauna of prehistoric Earth as you discover dinosaurs and prehistoric creatures – and even the Tyrannosaurus rex!

Mon Premier Ballet – Sleeping Beauty (La Belle au Bois Dormant), Théâtre Mogador, until March 8, 2026

This version of Sleeping Beauty is a ballet specifically adapted for a young audience, but is entertaining for children and adults alike – the perfect family activity for a rainy January day in Paris.

RELATED LINKS

• Have you ever dreamed of owning a Parisian apartment in the charming Marais? This fractional apartment for sale could be perfect for you.
• Planning to celebrate New Year’s Eve in the City of Light? Here’s some ideas for celebrating New Year’s Eve in Paris for an evening you won’t forget!
• Check out this French Mulled Wine and Raclette recipe to stay warm and cozy during these short winter days!

Written by Pronti Baglary and updated by Zoe Calla Adams for HIP Paris. Looking to travel? Dreaming of buying property in France but don’t know where to start? Looking for off market-deals? Intimidated by searching in a foreign language? Found an apartment you’re dying to view? We’re excited to announce our new property search service. Our expert team helps you secure the perfect home. We connect you with top professionals for every step of the process—from search to purchase. Contact us at info@hipparis.com to get started.